Sharon Ann (Morrison) Stewart, 70, of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Visitation will be 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri.

Sharon was born August 13, 1954, in Odessa, Missouri, to Franklin Eugene Morrison and Cecil Irene (Pallette) Morrison. She was from Odessa, Missouri, and moved to Grain Valley in the late 1970’s. For over 30 years she dedicated herself and was involved in the community. Sharon served the community as an Alderman and Interim-Mayor. Additionally, she served on the Planning and Zoning Commission prior to her service as an elected official. Beyond her political endeavors, she served the community of Grain Valley through many philanthropic activities. As a member of the Grain Valley Fair Board, she helped organize the fireworks tents as a major fundraising activity to support many community events. Some of these events included, Grain Valley Fair, casino nights, mud runs, demolition derby and haunted hay rides. She was also Mrs. Claus for the Grain Valley Santa Bus since its inception. Sharon was at one time a business owner and member of the Chamber of Commerce. She loved to spend time with her family often at her backyard firepit. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Sharon will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Neal Eugene Stewart.

Sharon is survived by daughters: Kirstin Whitton (Steven) and Cami Knight; son, Josh Rousseau; six grandchildren: Taylor Whitton (Josh), Tyler Whitton (Ashton), Trey Whitton, Tristin Whitton, Jensen Rousseau and Weston Rousseau; two great-grandchildren: Parker Whitton and Owen Whitton; sister, Debbie Green; brother, Cam Morrison; niece, Michelle Titus (Jason); and two nephews: Jordan Morrison and Sean Morrison.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Naomi Lee Royer, 89, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025.  Her visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 11^th at Royer Funeral Home in Oak Grove, followed by Graveside services at 11:15 a.m. in Oak Grove Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

Naomi was born October 6, 1935, in Foster, Missouri, the cherished daughter of George C. and Mabel (Boyles) Roberts.  On November 21, 1953, Naomi married the love of her life, Lloyd Royer. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home filled with laughter and joy. Naomi devoted many years of her life to serving as a secretary for the Oak Grove Schools, where her kindness and support touched the lives of countless students and staff.

Naomi was a woman of many talents. She found joy in sewing, quilting, and embroidering, creating beautiful pieces that will be treasured by her family for generations to come. Her culinary skills were unmatched, and she was known for her phenomenal cooking that brought family and friends together around the table. However, it was her extraordinary cake decorating that truly set her apart. Naomi’s cakes were not just desserts; they were works of art that celebrated life’s special moments, each one crafted with love and attention to detail.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lloyd; sons, David and Mark; brother, George Roberts; and sisters, Arlene Roberts Harrison and Sandra Elledge.

Her survivors include her son, Jeffrey Royer and wife Beverly; daughter, Theresa Nelson and husband Paul; and three grandchildren, Courtney Waterworth and husband Logan, Emily Prosser and husband Cormac, and Nicole Royer.

Naomi’s legacy of creativity, love, and kindness will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Mary Catherine Havener, 73, of Independence, Missouri passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 pm Monday, April 7, 2025 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. Burial in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm.  Contributions can be made to Great Plains or Shep’s Senior Dog Sanctuary.

Mary was born August 6, 1951in Springfield, Illinois to Leonard Irvin Sanders and Vertie Mae (Vollintine) Sanders. She retired from the state of Illinois after 30 dedicated years. She had a love for animals which led her to volunteer at Great Plains for over 10 years. Mary volunteered at Shep’s Senior Dog Sanctuary for over 5 years. She fostered over 100 dogs. Mary loved the holidays and time with family. She would always start her Christmas shopping the day after Christmas. Mary’s family was very important to her. She will be greatly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harrison Havener; brother-in-law, Bennie Holder; and nieces, Shelly Gross and Catherine Payne

Mary is survived by her daughter, Michele (Raymond) Parsons; grandson, Chance (Halley) Parsons; granddaughter, Allicia (Jesse McBee) Ventresca; grandson, Brady Parsons; one great-grandson, Gavin Parsons; one great-granddaughter, Summer who is due in April.; sister, Wanda Sanders; brother, Alvin (Ethel) Sanders; sister, Virgina Holder; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Carol Marlene Mitchell, 77, of Independence, Missouri went home to be with her Lord, just as she had longed to do, on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, Missouri; burial following in Salem Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

She was born on December 20, 1947 in Clinton, Missouri to Cecil and Muriel (Ingram) Banning. She found joy in life’s simplest pleasures—spending time with friends and loved ones, listening to good music, watching classic films, and sharing a meal over a fresh cup of coffee. Never one to want much, Carol’s heart was full with faith, love, and the warmth of companionship.  She was a breath of fresh air to the world.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Victor and Frances Mitchell; brother, Mike; and sister, Anita.

She is survived by her husband, Dale; daughters: Christina (Christopher) Carpenter, and Reana (Gregory) Brown; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Carolyn Sue (Allen) Laster, 84, Oak Grove, passed on March 28, 2025, in her home. 

Born Oct. 01, 1940, in Kansas City, she was the daughter of Charles Allen and Dorothy Brody. She was raised by her step-father Edwin Goldenberg.  On Sept. 23, 1960, she married John F. Laster, Sr. They both moved to Oak Grove in 1968.  She worked as an accounts receivable clerk for both Sealtest Dairy for 3 yrs and at Wonder Bread/Hostess Cake for 24 yrs. She enjoyed the outdoors, square dancing, summers in their pool getting tan and loved spending time with all her grand and great-grandchildren! She was never at a loss of words to brag about all of them!  She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection and Daughters of the King in Blue Springs.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John F. Sr. and son Edwin.

Survivors include a son and wife, John Jr. (Nancy), San Antonio, TX; a son and wife, Patrick (Stephanie), Lee’s Summit; six grandchildren, Nicole and husband (Grant), Megan and husband (Jeffrey), Cameron, Dane, Wesley, Michael and wife (Amber), seven great-grandchildren, Ries and husband (Isaac), Rian, Jordan, Maylee, Maddox, Lyla, and Grayden; a niece and husband, Leslie Burton (Dean), Independence.

Visitation Saturday May 31st, 2025 at 10am.  Celebration of Life service at 11am to be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection: 1433 NW RD Mize Rd, Blue Springs, MO. Reception service to follow. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Church of the Resurrection.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Garry Homer Cornett, 71, of Bates City, Missouri passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.   A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, Oak Grove, Missouri. 

Garry was born on August 6, 1953 in Harrisville Township, Michigan to Homer and Beatrice York Cornett. Growing up, his father was in the Air Force which allowed him to travel the world, living in Hawaii, Japan, and Florida before settling in Oak Grove, Missouri, where he graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1971.

Garry dedicated many years of his life to hard work, spending time at Oak Grove School District before working as a welder at Fike Corporation. He later built a 30-year career with Ford Motor Company. On May 16, 1975, he married Mary Pitts, and together they began a beautiful family that became the heart of his world. Garry was known for his quick wit, good-natured teasing, and an infectious laugh that could brighten any room. He loved fishing, hunting, playing cards, gardening, and cooling off in the pool during the summer. He also had a talent for telling jokes, always bringing humor to those around him. His sweet tooth was legendary, and he loved to indulge in treats, always ready to share a dessert. Garry was also a proud member of Odd Fellows, where he found camaraderie and purpose in serving his community.  Above all else, Garry’s greatest joy came from his family.

Garry is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his daughters: Wendy (Brent) Hughes and Cindy (Joe) Crowley; his cherished grandchildren: Dillon (Lili) Hughes, Emily Hughes and fiancé Montana Fish, and Bri Crowley; his great-grandchildren: Evelyn Hughes and Dax Hughes; and his little shadow, Nimmers.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Michael James Williams, 61, of Independence, Missouri, went to be with Jesus March 26, 2025, as a result of complications from a massive stoke.  A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held for family and friends on April 12, 5:30 p.m., at the Northern Boulevard Methodist Church, Independence, Missouri.  In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in Michael’s honor to Community Services League, 404 N Noland Rd, Independence, MO, 64050. www.cslcares.org/csl-giving-guide

Michael was born October 2, 1963, in Morrison, Illinois to Lawrence (Larry) and Linda Williams.  Michael enjoyed growing up in the small, rural town of Prophetstown, Illinois, where he was close to grandparents and other family.  He graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1981. 

While in Prophetstown, Michael worked with his father in agribusiness, and later assisted both parents in direct produce sales to their community.  Michael was baptized at Prophetstown Methodist Church, confirmed at Leon Methodist Church.

Michael attended college at Northeast Missouri State University (Kirksville), and Western Illinois University (Macomb).  He worked serving others managing various convenience stores, retail outlets, and restaurants in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri. 

Michael eventually established himself managing kitchens for residential rehabilitation facilities and then elder care facilities in Farmington, Salem, Independence, and Belton Missouri.  He had a love for cooking and sharing delicious creations with friends and loved ones.  Michael also worked with area food pantries and helped feed countless meals to homeless persons in the Kansas City Metro area. 

Besides cooking, Michael loved animals-especially cats, gardening, canning and finding treasures in flea markets and garage sales. He liked turning items others had cast aside into something beautiful to share.

Michael was preceded in death by his sister, Ellen Williams.  He is survived by his life companion, Brent Dickerson, parents Larry and Linda Williams, brother Jeffrey Williams and wife Theresa, aunt Barbara Seifert, uncle Gary Lennox, 2 nieces, 1 nephew and many cousins.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600

Todd Lawrence Heinrich, 63, of Grain Valley, MO, went to be with the Lord on March 26th, 2025 after a 3-year battle with cancer, at home with his wife by his side. 

Todd was born December 10th, 1961 to Albert and Mary Heinrich in Geneva, IL. He was raised with 5 sisters, and many foster siblings. Todd was a master of his craft, as a carpenter for 30 years alongside his father and best bud, Al. He also served 3 years in the US Army from 1981-1984. Todd was an enthusiast of many hobbies throughout his life, including golfing, bowling, hunting, and so much more, with his most recent being leatherwork. 

Todd was preceded in death by his dad Al, and older sister Donna. 

Todd leaves behind his loving wife of 45 years, Maryanne, 3 amazing children; Jimmy Heinrich (Leah) of Grain Valley, MO, Brianne Burns (Chris) of Grain Valley, MO, Kari Godard (JR) of Oak Grove, MO, 13 wonderful grandchildren, and his cat, Baby. 

He will be so incredibly missed, but free of his pain. 

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for the family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Obituary submitted by family

Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Grain Valley, MO 64075 816-847-4441

Jamie Lee Anderson, 43, of Oak Grove, MO passed away March 25, 2025.  Visitation will be 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Oak Grove. Memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to Breakthrough T1D.org.

Jamie was born July 15, 1981, to Billy Roy Cox, Jr. & Jackie Lynn (Coatney) Cox. She loved spending time with her family, especially all of the activities for her son Aiden.  She enjoyed vacations at the ocean, flying in helicopters, fishing, riding 4 wheelers, cuddling with her Police dog K-9 Merlin, and baking.  Jamie had a passion for helping others and saving lives through her career and her choice of being an organ donor. She was a Critical Care and Nationally Certified Paramedic with Air Evac Lifeteam, Sni Valley, Odessa, JCAD, and Lake City. Jamie was currently enrolled in Nursing school.

Jamie was preceded in death by a son Liam Anderson in 2009.

Jamie is survived by her husband, Andy Anderson of the home; son, Aiden Anderson of the home; parents, Roy & Jackie Cox of Odessa, MO; sisters, Tracie Black (Doug) of Independence, MO, and Kelly Rourke (Nicholas Bucko) of Blue Springs, MO; paternal grandmother, Lois Ruff of Independence, MO; mother-in-law, Racine Martin of Oak Grove, MO; father & mother-in-law, Lawrence & Deana Anderson of Gower, MO; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Arrangements:  Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, Missouri

Jo Ann (Wood) Taylor was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri. She was married to Dorris Taylor who resides in Heaven. They moved to Independence, Missouri in 1959. She was born September 18, 1933 and passed away March 25, 2025.

She is survived by her four children: Bill Taylor, Teresa (Taylor) Monschein married to Jack Todd, Cheryl (Taylor) Davis married to Gene Davis, Mark Taylor, and Paula (Ratliff) Taylor. Grandchildren include: William David Taylor married to Kristin Taylor, Raleigh Moore married to Paige Moore, Carla Robison married to Brian Robison, Craig Davis who resides in Heaven, Cassi Hayes married to Jeremy Hayes, Jeremy Ratliff, Sally Taylor and Lee Taylor. Great grandchildren include: Mathew Taylor, Katy Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Archie and Baker Moore, Skylar Robison, Adrienne Davis, Cheyanne Davis, Hannah Hayes, Haylee Hayes, Heather Hayes, Jacob Ratliff, Ethan Ratliff who resides in Heaven, Elliana Ratliff, Dominick Taylor, Taylor Garcia, Gabrielle Ross. Great great grandchildren include: Aaliyah Taylor, Amari Taylor and Messiah Ratliff.

We remember her to be a devoted wife, a loving mother and a hard worker. She retired after 20 years with Social Security Federal Government employment downtown Kansas City, MO. She loved games, gardening, cooking and travel. While she didn’t get to travel much due to work demands, she did get to enjoy a trip to Europe with her mother, Hellen Binkley and son, Mark Taylor. She also enjoyed jaunts to St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri. She will be missed and we wish her much joy in the journey back home.

A celebration will be held on April 13th 2025 Sunday at George Owen’s Nature Park in the Lodge. From 2:30 – 4:30. Address 1601 Speck Rd, Independence, Mo 64057.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600